A book cover with the title of the cut.

The Cut, George Pelecanos 2011

A new mystery series recommended by Barry Dym and written by Emmy nominated writer from The Wire.  As in that TV show, I found the modern cultural references (music especially) and life style to be off-putting.  Spero Lucas is a fascinating character and the story has enough substance, pace, violence, and humor to be engaging, but doubt I’ll go further in the series.  Plot summary:  Lucas is a Greek-American, 29 year old ex-Marine with PTSD from Iraq who works as an investigator, keeping 40% of what he recovers for clients.  In this case, marijuana money.  Side story of how he and his Black brother, Leo, save an inner city kid is a nice touch.